My Sheep Hear My Voice | Tables

Anchor Verses: John 10:27, Romans 8:14, Acts 13:2

Introduction: The Why – Scripture as the Space Where the Spirit Speaks

• “Hearing” from the Holy Spirit must begin with knowing scripture
• 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…”
• John 14:26: “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
• Application: Every believer—new or mature—must approach the Bible expecting to hear from God. Our secret place is where the Spirit comes alive through God’s Word, transforming us from within.

The Basics: How to Read Scripture

• Read with Dependence on the Holy Spirit
  • 1 Corinthians 2:12-14:
    • The Spirit enables us to understand God’s wisdom.
  • Always begin your reading time by praying, “Holy Spirit, help me understand and apply this.”
• Read with Context

• Example: Jeremiah 29:11
  • Often quoted out of context; learn to ask: Who wrote this? To whom? What were the circumstances?
  • Consider: How does this passage ultimately point us to Jesus?
• Read with Application

• James 1:22: “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
• The SOAP Method:
  1. Scripture: Read a passage.
  2. Observation: Note what it says.
  3. Application: Determine how it applies to your life.
  4. Prayer: Ask God to help you live it out.

Challenge for Seasoned Believers: Deepening Your Engagement

• Read with a Desire for Transformation, Not Just Information
  • Psalm 119:11:
    • Hide God’s Word in your heart; ask, “How is the Holy Spirit using this passage to convict, encourage, or challenge me?”
• Read in Light of the Whole Story of Redemption
  • Luke 24:27:
    • Understand that all Scripture points to Jesus.
    • Challenge yourself to see God’s grand narrative that spans from Genesis to Revelation.
• Read with a Mindset of Teaching Others
  • Hebrews 5:12-14:
    • Mature believers should be able to teach and disciple new believers.
    • Application: Mentor someone by walking them through Scripture.

How Do We Hear from the Holy Spirit?

• Scripture as the Primary Venue for Divine Revelation
  • The Holy Spirit speaks predominantly through God’s Word.
  • When we approach Scripture in our secret place—quiet, prayerful moments—we create a space where the Spirit can reveal truth, convict our hearts, and guide our decisions.
• Practical Discernment
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 (NLT): “Do not stifle the Spirit… test everything and hold on to what is good.”
    • Ask these three questions when discerning guidance:
      • Does this glorify Jesus?
      • Is this in agreement with God’s Word?
      • Is this consistent with God’s character?
• Understanding Inner Transformation
  • Rather than expecting dramatic signs, look for the subtle, life-changing work of the Spirit—as evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
  • Reference Dallas Willard’s teaching: if you have never sensed God speaking to you, consider what you might be doing that limits His presence in your life.

Fruit Over Frenzy: The Mark of a Spirit-Filled Life

• Internal Transformation:
  • A Spirit-filled life is marked by qualities like love, joy, peace, patience, and self-control.
  • These traits reflect a deep, ongoing change that influences how believers live and interact.
• Practical Implication:
  • Focus on cultivating these fruits as the evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work, rather than seeking sensational manifestations.

Call to Action: Practical Next Steps

• For New Believers:
  • Start with the Gospel of John.
  • Pray before reading and ask questions.
  • Utilize the SOAP method to engage with Scripture.
• For Mature Believers:
  • Challenge yourself with a deeper study—memorize Scripture, study a book in depth, or mentor a new believer.
  • Embrace a lifestyle where you continually seek to hear from God, allowing the convergence of Scripture, community, and personal reflection to guide your decisions.
• Final Encouragement:
  • As John 10:27-28 reminds us, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish…”
  • Let us commit to hearing, teaching, and guiding one another—so that our lives may be transformed by the Holy Spirit and our ministry may bear lasting fruit.